Edo Elections: Akpata joins Tshwala Bam dance challenge as he takes new campaign photos

Olumide Akpata is the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Edo State

Olumide Akpata, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Edo State, has once again delighted social media users by sharing a video of himself participating in the viral dance challenge set to the South African Amapiano tune, Tshwala Bam.

He posted the video on his Instagram page, mentioning that he "had fun capturing some new campaign photos."

In the caption, he wrote "What do you get when my team practically drags me, kicking and screaming, in front of a camera? A whole lot of awkward posing and cheesy grins! They begged and pleaded for me to do this photoshoot. But hey, at least we had fun capturing some new campaign photos (even if I’ll never admit how much I low-key loved it)."

"However, get ready for the real deal: the unveiling of my vision for an Edo State that works for everyone - beyond photoshoots and cheesy campaign pics. Though my team seems to think those are important too!"

This is not the first time the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been seen dancing in public.

In a 2022 video that went viral, Akpata was spotted dancing at an outdoor event, much to the surprise of guests.

That video sparked various reactions on social media when it surfaced.

Meanwhile, he criticized the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for only swearing in five out of the eight judges of the Edo State High Court.

On Friday, Obaseki swore in five judges to the bench of the state High Court.

He stated that this action was in line with his commitment to strengthening the judiciary due to its role in the democratic process.

However, Akpata condemned Obaseki for swearing them in 11 months after being recommended by the National Judicial Council.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 17 candidates will be contesting the Edo Governorship Election.

The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, made this announcement in a statement.

Olumekun mentioned that the list includes one female candidate and 16 male candidates.

He listed some of the male candidates as Ighodalo Asuerinme of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Okpebholo Monday of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the only female candidate, Patient Ndidi, is from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).